The Real Me - Murtaza Moiz Farooqui

I Was Reviewing My Old WhatsApp Messages When… I was reviewing some of my old WhatsApp messages when I came across an old message from someone pointing toward me, essentially suggesting that I was disregarding my parents. I read it again. And instead of becoming angry, I started thinking about something much more fundamental: When did respecting parents become synonymous with surrendering your own judgment? Context I am not angry at them. What bothers me is something considerably deeper: the selective use of religion as a veil. When someone wants to justify a position, religion suddenly becomes the final argument. "Parents must be respected." "Parents have sacrificed for you." "You cannot disregard your parents." Fine. I agree. But if religion is being invoked, then the entire religious framework has to be applied—not only the portion that conveniently supports one side of the argument. Islam unquestionably commands kindness and respect toward parents. The...